The first EPLB to be accredited on life jackets for unassisted operation in water has made its inaugural operational flight on the RAF’s Typhoon aircraft.
London, UK, 10 April, 2019 – Elbit Systems UK Ltd. (“Elbit Systems UK” or “ESUK”) has completed the certification for its Emergency Personal Locator Beacon (EPLB), following a series of successful operational evaluation trials with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). The EPLB has now entered service with the Royal Air Force.
A clear example of the company’s focus on delivering innovative capabilities to support the Armed Forces, this is the first man-mounted personal locator beacon to achieve internationally recognized accreditation (known as COSPAS-SARSAT) for unassisted operation in water.
In the event of an accident or aircrew ejection from an aircraft, the EPLB delivers emergency alerts to the international search and rescue (SAR) satellite “constellation” as well as homing signals to local SAR teams. This will enable a quick and effective rescue of stranded aircrew, significantly increasing the probability of survival. A key benefit of ESUK’s EPLB is that it embeds two different technologies within one product, meaning that many pilots who currently must use separate pieces will now be able to use one, integrated piece of equipment.
The EPLB will be able to operate efficiently in all weather conditions and at a full range of temperatures, for a minimum of 24 hours, across Land and Sea. It activates automatically upon ejection, meaning that even an unconscious pilot can be detected. The technology has been intensively tested in the UK and internationally, and is also in use with several different Armed Forces.
It can be fitted to a comprehensive range of aircrafts, including fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft.
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said: “Elbit Systems UK is committed to protecting and supporting the Armed Forces, here and around the world, with the best equipment and technologies available. We are proud that our pioneering EPLB has been chosen to safeguard RAF pilots, an example of how innovative but proven technology can be transferred to the UK and customised for specific UK requirements”.